RICS Level 2 Survey in SA66 Pembrokeshire

Our RICS Level 2 Survey, also called the Home Survey Level 2, gives a visual check of the property's condition. Our inspectors look at all accessible parts of the house, from roof structure, walls, windows and doors to plumbing, electrical systems and damp-proof courses. We pay close attention to issues often seen in Pembrokeshire properties, including weathering on traditional stonework, slate roof deterioration and damp in older solid-wall construction. Where it helps, our surveyors use thermal imaging cameras to spot hidden damp or heat loss that the eye might miss.

The survey covers the main structural elements too, foundations, walls, floors and the roof framework. Any defects are recorded, explained through the RICS traffic-light rating system, and matched with plain recommendations for further investigation or repair. We also look at outbuildings, garages and boundaries, so the picture is not half-finished. Clear photographs are included with each report, showing the defects our surveyor has identified.

SA66 is a good example of why this survey matters. Around 49% of properties here are detached homes, and a large share are more than 50 years old. In Pembrokeshire, that often means traditional construction, solid stone walls and original slate roofs, all of which need a surveyor who knows these buildings well. Our team regularly inspects homes built before 1919 with lime mortar pointing, interwar properties with their familiar render finishes, and post-war houses that may hide asbestos in artex ceilings or soffits.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and structure
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and timber condition
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Time and again, our surveys in SA66 turn up the same kinds of problems. Damp is especially common in older homes with solid stone walls, where modern damp-proof courses may be missing or not doing their job. In this region we often see rising damp caused by bridged or failed damp-proof courses, penetrating damp driven by coastal rain on exposed westerly elevations, and condensation in bathrooms and kitchens with poor ventilation. We recently inspected a property in Saundersfoot where penetrating damp had led to serious rot in the window frames, even though the outside looked sound, which is exactly why a proper inspection matters.

Roofing faults come up regularly in SA66 surveys as well. Plenty of properties have traditional slate roofs that last well, but can still suffer from slipped or broken slates, failing pointing on ridges, and tired leadwork around chimneys and valleys. Our surveyors watch those areas closely, because roof repairs can be expensive and water ingress can spread damage through internal finishes and structural timbers. In older homes, we often find corroded original slate nails, which allows slates to slip, especially on north-facing roof slopes that stay damp for longer.

Older properties throughout the SA66 postcode also tend to show timber defects, including woodworm and rot. That matters most where original timber windows, doors and floorboards are still in place after decades with little proper maintenance. Our inspectors also check for structural movement or subsidence, which can affect homes built on reactive clay soils or near trees with far-reaching roots. In the Narberth area, we have seen several properties with vegetation-related subsidence where trees planted too close to the house caused foundations to shift over time.

Electrical systems installed before the 1980s are another common finding, and a substantial part of the housing stock here falls into that bracket. We often come across old fuse boards with rewireable fuses, poor earthing, and lighting circuits that no longer meet current regulations. Rewiring can be disruptive and costly, with walls needing to be chased and then redecorated, so finding these issues before purchase gives you time to budget properly. The same goes for plumbing, where older systems with galvanised steel pipes or lead joints may need upgrading, and stopcocks are often missing or non-functional in older homes.

Our surveyors work across the SA66 postcode area, carrying out RICS Level 2 Surveys in Saundersfoot, Tenby, Narberth, Whitland and the surrounding villages. From a modern family home near the coast to a traditional Pembrokeshire cottage in a rural village, our team has the local knowledge to spot area-specific issues and give practical advice. We know the local market well and can explain how the property you are considering compares with others in the street or village.

Pembrokeshire's property market has also seen some adjustment, with average prices in SA66 falling by 3% over the past year and down 11% from the 2020 peak of £323,171. In that context, a thorough survey matters even more if you want to make a sound investment. Our reports help you spot anything that could affect value or lead to significant spending after purchase. With 578 properties changing hands in this area recently, the market is still active, but buyers do need to keep a close eye on condition.

All of our surveyors are RICS-qualified and bring extensive experience of the local property market. They understand the construction methods common to Pembrokeshire, from traditional stone-walled cottages with thick walls and narrow windows to modern developments built with contemporary materials and techniques. Book a survey with us and you get local knowledge alongside the strict standards expected of the RICS profession. We are regulated by RICS and work to their strict codes of conduct, so you receive a professional and reliable service.

We aim to inspect properties within 3-5 working days of booking, and reports are usually sent out within 3-5 working days of the inspection. For anyone working to tight deadlines, such as chain transactions or an imminent completion date, we offer an expedited service where available. Our UK-based customer service team can answer questions about the survey process or your report. We can also arrange for the surveyor to call after the inspection to talk through the initial findings before the written report arrives.